Rebuild Your Attitude

What is attitude? Attitude is defined as “feeling or emotion”. Our attitude is what defines us. What is our attitude toward our self and others? 

CHANGE YOUR MIND
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2 NLT)

Negative thoughts, if left unchecked, can easily take over our mind and the result is a negative, worldly mindset. We can fight worldly, negative thinking by renewing our mind – retrain ourselves to think the way God wants us to think. When we become Christians, we are to renew our minds, change our attitudes in every aspect of our lives.

Identify and repent of bad attitudes. "Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you." (Acts 8:22)

The first step toward changing your attitude is to renew your mind with God’s way of thinking.

CHANGE YOUR FOCUS
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8 NLT)

The above scripture teaches us that we must focus our thoughts to be positive, righteous and godly. This is the way God wants us to think.

How we view things shape how we respond to our circumstances. If we constantly think negative thoughts, we will react to our circumstances in a negative way. Eventually negativity gives way to pessimism, and pessimism to unbelief. The end result is viewing circumstances as insurmountable and our faith spirals into a pit of despair. Godly thinking, however, leads to a faithful attitude, which in turn leads to faithful reactions.

CHANGE YOUR STRATEGY
“We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT)

How do you keep negative thoughts from attacking your mind? As the above scripture states, take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. We have this power in Christ. Instead of giving into negative thinking, fight back with positive, godly thoughts. Submit your attitudes to God and bring your attitude into obedience to God’s Word. For every negative thought that comes to mind, think of a positive thought to counteract it. This takes practice if you have a history of negative thinking, but through Him you can accomplish this! Retrain yourself with the power of Christ! A good attitude is a matter of faith, disregarding your feelings, with a determination to embrace God’s outlook and disposition.

“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” (Ephesians 4:23)

Improper feelings or emotions toward others are sinful. Such an attitude is harmful not only toward others but to the individual who harbors that poor attitude. We cannot be pleasing in the sight of God with a poor attitude. Dwell on the things that God’s word tells us to – those good and virtuous things. If you dwell on the negative, your attitude will reflect the same.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Negative circumstances are a fact of life. It is our choice how we react. We can give into negative thinking or we can change the way we think by fighting back with godly thoughts. If you find that negative thoughts have started to affect your attitude, don’t let it get you down. Fight back. You are the gatekeeper to your mind.